Windows 8 got very mixed reviews when it arrived and though the subsequent release of Windows 8.1, which brought back the ‘Start’ button resolved a lot of issues, public opinion was against this incarnation of the operating system.

Windows recently announced Windows 10 – so here’s what we can expect from the new OS.

Arrival

Expect to see the new Windows at some time later this year. However, if you really can’t wait then you can get your hands on a preview build beforehand. It’s likely to be buggy but you’ll get the idea.

Free Windows

Windows 10 is going to arrive as a free upgrade for consumers – something a lot of other OS’s have been doing for a while now. This is the first time that Microsoft has offered the computer OS as an upgrade. For those that don’t need new hardware this will come as a very welcome addition as it means they won’t have to dip into their pocket for an upgrade.

All Kinds of Everything

Windows 10 will work on all your devices, so it’s an operating system for your 3.5 inch phone and 20 inch desktop screen. It will rely on the interface to adjust accordingly.

Universal Apps

Windows will be all about universal apps and the company will most likely create a system where the devices can run on all devices no matter what the screen size.

Back to the Future

Windows will of course still include the Metro style display. The Modern Windows design however annoyed a lot of people and Microsoft has made changes. For example, if you’re using a Windows tablet now it will show the Metro block interface when in the hand, but connect a keyboard and it will be the original Windows7 style interface we all know and love.

Start

The Start menu is also back and sits in the bottom left hand corner in all its familiarity. In addition, Windows will incorporate the Live Tiles if you like too. These can be customised. The tiles will also integrate Snap to a greater degree. This means you can place the tiles in whatever position you see fit. In addition, there is also an option for multiple desktops. This allows you to keep productivity apps on one screen and work apps on another. There’s also the task view button in the taskbar that shows you all your open files and Windows – another nice addition.

Device

Windows 10 will most likely be a 64bit OS, so some older processors won’t work with it. However, generally speaking the new operating system will work perfectly with most relatively new PCs. Windows 10 is a departure in some ways for Microsoft – most obviously in the fact it’s a free upgrade. However, in a lot of other ways it seems like it’s an evolution and if we were to criticise, it’s what Windows 8 should have been in the first place.

All being told we’re looking forward to playing with it on our small and large screens alike!

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